Much of it inaccessible by road, travel through stunning mountain and canyon scenery along the Colorado River, on the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer’s newest (and first USA) route – the Rockies to the Red Rocks between Denver and Moab. After your Rocky Mountaineer experience, collect a car and discover more of this incredible region by road, travelling on scenic byways, stopping at some of the iconic National Parks this area is known for, enjoying the amazing landscapes and activities on offer. 

Day 1 - Fly from the UK to Denver

Denver is known as the Mile High City - visit the State Capitol Building where you will find the marker that shows you exactly one mile above sea level! Enjoy the city’s diverse range of attractions, museums, arts and entertainment and shopping. After all that, why not experience the nightlife of LoDo (Lower Downtown Denver), a 26-square block of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Thrill seekers could try the city’s Elitch Gardens theme park. Alternatively, venture just outside the city to the stunning Red Rock Park and Amphitheater.

Stay three nights in Denver.

Day 4 - Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks Journey

Make your way to Denver’s Union station and join the Rocky Mountaineer, departing at 09.00. The train travels only during the day and features oversized windows, so you do not miss a moment of the ever-changing landscapes. Enjoy Rocky Mountaineer’s SilverLeaf Service, including premium Southwestern U.S. cuisine (breakfast each day and lunch on your first day, as well as beverages), compelling scenery, on-board storytelling in a custom-designed glass-dome coach. 

Today you will travel between Denver and Glenwood Springs, alongside the Colorado River and through a series of canyons with steep, rugged rock walls. Travelling at ‘Kodak Speed’ you will have the opportunity to see wildlife such as big horn sheep, deer, bears, coyotes and mountain lion. 

On arrival in Glenwood Springs, around 17.00, it is a short stroll to your hotel. Spend the evening in this beautiful mountain town with a great selection of local restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. As its name suggests you can also enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs here. Open into the evening, you can soak in the water and enjoy the night skies above. 

Day 5 - Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks Journey

An early start today as the Rocky Mountaineer pulls out of Glenwood Springs at 07.00, but don’t forget you will have a sumptuous breakfast on board! The route between Glenwood Springs and Moab offers a variety of scenery, including mountain vistas, desert cliffs and rock formations, so plenty to see as you head west into Utah, arriving around 12.00. 

You will transferred by coach into Moab. Collect your hire car and begin the roads part of your trip!

Moab is your base for discovering Arches National Park. Arches is a red rock wonder containing the world's largest concentration of natural arches, over 2000 of them! A paved road winds through the park allowing easy access to some of the most impressive sites, and hiking trails penetrate more remote areas. Most of the trails are easy to moderate and do not require a permit, and some are particularly impressive at sunset. 

As well as the park, you can enjoy rafting and boat trips on the Colorado River, horse riding at a nearby ranch or mountain or road biking through the stunning red rock country. 

 Stay two nights in Moab

Day 7 - Moab to Bryce Canyon, approx. 270 miles

Now on with your road trip and make sure to stop en route at Capitol Reef National Park – one of Utah’s best kept secrets. The Bryce Canyon region is great for hiking, horse riding, photography, ATV riding, camping and other activities. The Canyon itself has been carved by wind and rain and offers some amazing rock formations called hoodoos. The area offers a myriad of slot canyons and other hiking trails. The Visitor Centre also offers information on a variety of ranger-led programmes that are available. You can also visit Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument from here.

Stay two nights at Bryce Canyon.

Day 9 - Bryce Canyon to Zion National Park, approx. 85 miles

Discover the park’s deep, narrow canyons, towering cliffs, streams, waterfalls, hanging wildflower gardens and majestic, forested mountains. Hiking maps and guides are available from the Visitors Centre, including for the popular Narrows, and there are also a selection of ranger-led programmes available. 

Whether you stay in the park itself or in Springdale, at the entrance of the park, you will be close to an abundance of outdoor recreation. Springdale offers a great choice of restaurants and shopping, as well as a number of adventure companies who can take you on guided hikes, canyoneering or ATV trips.

Stay two nights at Zion National Park. 

Day 11 - Zion National Park to Las Vegas, approx. 165 miles

The final leg of your Rails to Roads journey takes you to Las Vegas where you can drop-off your car and fly home. Alternatively, choose to extend your holiday by a couple of nights and stay in the 24 hour city of Las Vegas.